LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines – The head of the provincial police yesterday bared his plan to urge local aspirants in the 2010 elections to submit the names of their bodyguards and drivers, too, including their pictures and bio-data, for background check.
Senior Superintendent Percival Barba told The STAR that he is discussing the matter with his police chiefs during their command conference here today.
With the background check, Barba said the candidates would know if their bodyguards have criminal records or are suspected to be involved in criminal activities.
Barba expressed hope that the aspirants would accede to the request but if not, he said police could still identify their bodyguards through their intelligence network and with the help of concerned citizens.
“If you don’t submit (the list), it means you’re not cooperative or you might have a plan,” he said in Filipino.
“They are free to comply with my request. If they don’t, it’s okay with us,” he added.
Barba believes the move, which is being carried out for the first time in the province, could preempt politicians from committing abuses using their bodyguards.